Rasmus Sandin gets beat up trying to defend Auston Matthews after dirty hit

The Toronto Maple Leafs are taking on the New York Islanders at home tonight in what's been a pretty spirited game all around.

During the midway part of the third period, Islander Oliver Wahlstrom takes a run at superstar Auston Matthews, taking his knee out in the process,

Usually, there's no response to these types of plays from the Leafs, much to the frustration of fans, on this play however, defender Rasmus Sandin takes immediate exception and challenges Wahlstrom who knows he has to answer the bell.

Now, let's be honest here, Sandin doesn't win this fight, not in the slightest, but stepping up and doing what you have to earns you a ton of respect from your teammates, As you can see at the end of the clip, both Mark Giordano and Matthews applauded Sandin's effort while he was skating to the box.

This is the kind of the Leafs need to do more often.

MUST READ

39 minutes ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Calgary Flames looking to capitalize off their hot start and add a top player via trade

10 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Darnell Nurse drops the gloves with Predators forward after Oilers fall behind once again

12 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery John Tavares under fire for advertising magical amulet that reportedly helps him heal faster

14 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Devastating News Hits the Blackhawks as Top Player Hits the IR With Groin Injury

14 hours ago  |  By Chris Gerics Edmonton Oilers Shake Things Up Ahead of Predators Game After Rough Start to the NHL Season

17 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Contracts of Seven Former NHL Players Suddenly Terminated, Raising Questions

19 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Meredith Gaudreau Reacts with Two Simple Words to Sean Monahan's Goal Celebration on Tribute Night

20 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Craig Berube's Heated Timeout Speech to the Maple Leafs Bench Revealed, Sparking Strong Team Response

MORE STORIES